Page 229 - Demo

LOT 312
Consecutively Serial Numbered Cased Pair
of Factory Game Scene Gebruder Merkel
Model 303EL Sidelock Over/Under Ejector
Shotguns -A) Gebruder Merkel Model 303EL
Shotgun - Serial no. 293248, 12 gauge, 28 inch
solid rib bbl., blue/grey finish, walnut stock. Blued
steel barrels with single brass bead sight on the
flat matted solid rib which are marked with a gold
inlaid “1” and “2” respectively, attractive floral scroll
engraving around the breech sections, 2006 dated
German proofs, front sling swivels, import marks
under the forends, and 76 mm chambers. Both
guns have grey finished hand detachable sidelock
actions displaying beautiful floral scroll engraving
surrounding highly detailed game scenes on either
lockplate and “GEBR. MERKEL SUHL” in a banner on
the underside. The “A” gun shows a setter flushing
a pheasant and a pair of hares in a wooded scene
on the left, and the right has a hawk swooping
down on four mallards in a marsh scene, while the
“B” gun has a pointer flushing a trio of pheasants
in a wooded scene on the left and a fox startling
up four mallards on the right. The scroll engraving
continues onto the toplevers, tangs, and the
triggerguards which are marked with a gold “1”
and “2” respectively. The guns feature single selective triggers and tang mounted
manual safety switches. Both are mounted with beautifully figured, multi-point checkered three-piece forends with
engraved fittings, including the Deeley latch releases, and pistol grip stocks with black polymer grip caps, blank
gold inscription ovals, and leather covered recoil pads. Included is a leather trimmed double gun takedown case
containing four nickel snap caps. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech
both proved at 18.7 mm (.736 inches) and measured .730/.729 inches; choke constriction .017/.032 inches; minimum
wall thickness .034/.036 inches; 1 5/8 inch drop at comb; 2 5/8 inch drop at heel; 15 1/8 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs 7 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and grey finishes, limited handling evidence, a few tiny handling marks on the wood, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. The case is excellent with minor wear. Mechanically excellent.
B) Gebruder Merkel Model 303EL Shotgun - Serial no. 293249, 12 gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/grey finish, walnut stock. As described in “A”. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at 18.7 mm (.736 inches) and measured .730/.729 inches; choke constriction .016/.031 inches; minimum wall thickness .035/.036 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 9/16 inch drop at heel; 15 1/8 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs 9 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and grey finishes with limited handling evidence, a few tiny handling marks in the wood, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
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